Millwall boss: Fixture schedule not ideal, but we won't moan

MILLWALL boss Neil Harris has expressed his annoyance at the timing of the latest international break.

The Lions are without a trio of experienced players for this weekend’s crucial Sky Bet League One games against promotion rivals Bradford City and title front runners Burton Albion.

David Forde and Shane Ferguson are in friendly action with the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, respectively, while Jimmy Abdou is involved in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying ties against Botswana with Comoro Islands.

That leaves Millwall short of two key midfielders and Harris will also have to name an inexperienced goalkeeper on the bench as backup to Jordan Archer.

Millwall considered postponing their Easter games, but Harris said this week the he didn’t want any fixture congestion at the end of the season.

The Lions face Bradford on Saturday before the televised game against Burton on Monday night.

“I do find it a bit strange, to be honest,” Harris said. “The Premier League and Championship games are not on and ours is a full fixture list, two games in three days.

“This is a big weekend for lower league clubs and I get that.

“The English game is part of a worldwide market now and there are players in all divisions travelling around the world to play international games.

“We find it strange that the fixture list coincides with the international break.

“But, as ever, we don’t moan about anything, we get on with it. We’re really looking forward to the games, they are two cracking ones. I don’t think you could get two better games at Easter.

“Would I like to have a fully-fit 20-man squad? Yeah, of course I would. But I’m really pleased with what I’ve got and there are players who haven’t been involved chomping at the bit for a chance.”